Apricot tree named &#39;ASFCOT0201&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of apricot tree, denominated ‘ASFCOT0201’, characterized by fruits of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, and with a medium orange flesh of high eating quality, aromatic and with a high level of sugar, and with an attractive luminous orange red skin on a luminous orange background.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No. 2011/0567 filed on Mar. 2, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Prunus armeniaca L.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘ASFCOT0201’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of apricot tree, Prunus armeniaca L., which has been given the variety denomination ‘ASFCOT0201’. This new tree produces fruit with a long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, very good eating quality, and freestone orange flesh fruit for fresh market in July in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. Contrast is made to ‘ASFCOT0409’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,135), an apricot tree, for reliable description. ‘ASFCOT0201’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it has very attractive fruits with long shelf life without alteration after harvesting. This new variety results from our plant-breeding program aimed at obtaining apricot trees producing fruits of sweet and aromatic taste, with an attractive bright orange fruit skin covered by an appealing red blush. One of our main concerns is also the production of new varieties producing fruits having a long shelf life after harvesting, in order to facilitate long distance shipping. Our final purpose is the production of a range of new apricot tree varieties differing by their time of maturity, while producing fruits of very similar characteristics, in order to provide markets with almost indistinguishable fruits during the whole period of production of apricot.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The ‘ASFCOT0201’ apricot tree originated in a cultivated area of the south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, where it was tested.

This place is under a Mediterranean climate (a temperate area), on the Mediterranean coastline. Winters are gentle and summers warm and dry. The amount of days with temperatures below 7° Celsius can vary between 600 and 1200 hours per year. The place is sunny, with 2400 to 2800 hours of sunny days per year on average. The prevailing wind is called ‘Tramontane’: it dries the air, clears the sky from clouds, but its intensity can be strong and affect the harvest, fruit quantity and/or quality. Marine moisture does not affect the place. Precipitations are irregular through the year and from one year to another. The amount of rainy days does not exceed 80 days per year, and are mostly found in Spring and Autumn. In May and October, very intense precipitations occasionally happen. Summer is dry with a few thunderstorms.

The ‘ASFCOT0201’ variety male and female parents are unknown. More particularly, this variety was randomly obtained, from a stone randomly selected and then planted. ‘ASFCOT0201’ was provisionally designated, tested and genetically identified by a genetic profile, under number 01.20.44 AB ASF 0201 and was registered at the Official Catalogue of the Agriculture Ministry of the French Republic on Nov. 23, 2010 under number 4047128. The ‘ASFCOT0201’ variety was propagated by grafting on a ‘Franc Inra Montclar’ (non patented) rootstock trees. It has been determined to have unique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy for commercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effects of the standard rootstock trees set forth above on the scion cultivar. Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plant was reproduced asexually by us in Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya, La Prade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE, Pyrénées-Orientales, France. More particularly, the plant was reproduced by grafting.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of apricot tree blooms early in March in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. More particularly, it approximately blooms between March 6^(th) and March 15^(th), generally 3 or 4 days later than ‘ASFCOT0409’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,135). ‘ASFCOT0201’ apricot tree is a non auto-fertile variety; a cross pollination, provided by ‘ASFCOT0409’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,135) variety or ‘ASFCOT0404’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,138) variety is necessary.

The first fruit of ‘ASFCOT0201’ apricot tree ripens at the end of June or early in July, generally about 5 days later than ‘ASFCOT0409’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,135). However, it was observed that its early date of maturity seems to be highly dependant on climatic conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph, which shows a view of a tree of the new variety in orchard, bearing fruits.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph, which shows three whole fruits and leaves of the new variety, and a fourth fruit, cut in half, with the stone left in one of the halves for depicting the fruit flesh and the stone of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph with reverse and side views of flowers of the new variety, and, with petals removed, reproductive organs of the new variety.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph, which shows different views of the stone.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variations in soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potential for commercial production of fresh fruit by ‘ASFCOT0201’ is high, due to fruit very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting.

Trees are vigorous and large stature half-standing in a semi-upright out aspect. The time of beginning of flowering is considered medium; flowering begins early in March. The flower petals are very pale pink at the opening, then white. Leaf glands are present and round. Time of maturity for consumption is considered medium. The fruit flesh is considered orange. The fruit skin is medium thick and colored with a red orange blush on an orange yellow background. The stone is medium size. Fruit taste is very aromatic and with a good balance between the level of sugar and acidity.

Compared to ‘ASFCOT0409’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,135) apricot tree, ‘ASFCOT0201’ variety blooms broadly 3 or 4 days later and ripens approximately 5 days later than ‘ASFCOT0409’, as set forth above. ‘ASFCOT0201’ variety produces very attractive fruits, with a homogenous presentation and a luminous red coloration, covering 40 to 60% of the fruit skin, on a luminous orange yellow background. The fruit shape of ‘ASFCOT0201’ is rounder than ‘ASFCOT0409’ fruits. ‘ASFCOT0201’ fruits flesh is very tasty, aromatic, with a high level of sugars, and very juicy. The time of maturity of the new variety is also interesting, because it ripens just a few days after ‘ASFCOT0409’ variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of apricot tree, the following was observed on trees in their fourth year of production. under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. All observations have been done on rootstock cultivars. Used rootstocks were ‘Franc Inra Montclar’ (non patented) trees. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Color Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Generally. — Considered large as compared to other             common commercial apricot cultivars. Trees reach about 250             cm during the first growing season. Trees were pruned during             each following season to a height of approximately 250 cm             and to a diameter of 200 cm.         -   Spread.—Approximately 200 cm. The whole orchard was oriented             to a central leader organization, with tree lines spaced of             4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1.0 meter in a same tree             line.         -   Vigor.—Considered vigorous. Current season shoots growth             could reach 100 cm. During the first year of growth, trees             growth reaches 250 cm. In the second and following seasons,             the size of trees is reduced to 250 cm by pruning. However,             these characteristics are dependant on soils fertility,             cultural practices, and prevailing climatic conditions.         -   Productivity.—Very Productive and regular. Fruit set is             spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the             desired market sized fruit. Because of the fruit size, the             new variety only requires a medium thinning for the tree             valorisation. Thinning was necessary every year during the             years of observation. The number of the fruit set varies             with the prevailing climatic conditions and cultural             practices employed during the bloom period, and is therefore             not distinctive of the present variety.         -   Bearer.—Very regular. No alternate bearing was observed.         -   Form.—The ‘ASFCOT0201’ variety has a naturally semi-upright             shape.         -   Density.—Considered highly dense, in order to obtain and             observe fruits more quickly.         -   Fertility.—The ‘ASFCOT0201’ variety is non auto-fertile. A             pollination cross, provided by ‘ASFCOT0409’ (U.S. Plant Pat.             No. 21,135) or ‘ASFCOT0404 (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,138), is             necessary.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in             France. The variety appears to be hardy under the central             Pyrénées-Orientales departement typical climatic conditions.             Experimentations on different sites with winter chilling             requirement comprised between 350 hours and 1200 hours             showed a good behaviour of the tree in all cases. The tree             also seems to have a good resistance to frosty springtime             weather. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately between 9.0 cm and 10.0 cm in             diameter when measured at a distance of approximately 20 cm             above the soil level.         -   Bark texture.—Considered smooth to rough when numerous             lenticels are present.         -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a green brown (RHS Brown N             200 B) or a silver-orange brown (RHS Greyed Orange 166A)             coloration, depending on the sunlight exposure.         -   Lenticels.—Lenticel color. — A light grey color (RHS Greyed             Yellow Group 161 D). Density. — Numerous lenticels are             present, approximately 5 lenticels per cm². Size. —             Lenticels are approximately 1.5 millimeters in width and 2.5             millimeters long. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Current season shoots are considered medium for the             variety. Mature branches, during the fourth year of             production, are considered medium to large for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other apricot varieties.             The current season shoots have a diameter from 4.0 to 6.0             millimeters, and mature branches have a diameter from 20.0             to 25.0 millimeters.         -   Surface texture.—Current season shoots have a smooth             texture. Mature branches are medium rough. Roughness             increases with tree age.         -   Crotch angles.—The crotch angles are generally between 50             degrees and 70 degrees from the trunk axis. At maturity, the             crotch angle increases with fruits weight. This particular             characteristic is not considered distinctive of the variety,             however.         -   Internode length.—Generally between 15.0 millimeters and             20.0 millimeters.         -   Color of mature branches.—Orange brown (RHS Greyed Orange             166 A) or green brown (RHS Brown N 200 B).         -   Color of current season's shoots.—Considered an orange brown             (RHS Greyed Orange Group 166 A to B) on the upper part,             whereas the lower part of new shoot tips is colored grey             brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A). The current season's shoots             color evolves and turns to mature branches color when aging.         -   Vigor.—Considered vigorous.         -   Lenticels.—Density. — Numerous lenticels are present,             approximately 5 lenticels per cm², especially on mature             branches. Size. — Considered slightly smaller than trunk's             lenticels, they are approximately 1.0 millimeters wide and             2.0 millimeters long. Color. — A light grey (RHS Greyed             Yellow Group 161 D). -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 83.0 to 90.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 70.0 to 83.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf form.—Almost circular.         -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.         -   Leaf base form.—Generally round or truncated.         -   Leaf margins.—Considered crenate.         -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Upper surface texture.—Smooth.         -   Lower surface texture.—Smooth.         -   Leaf colour.—Upper leaf surface. — Green (RHS Green Group             137 A). Lower surface. — A lighter green (RHS Green Group             137 C) than the upper leaf surface color.         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.         -   Mid-vein.—Thickness: Approximately 1.0 millimeter when             measured at the base of the leaf. Color: Yellow green (RHS             Yellow Green 145 A) near the apex and red violet (RHS Red             Purple Group 59 B) from the middle of the mid-vein to its             base.         -   Other veins color.—Green (RHS Green Group 145 A to B).         -   Uniformity.—Leaves are of medium size and generally found             alone. No stipules are generally found.         -   Leaf petioles.—Size. — Generally large. Length. — Between             40.0 and 52.0 millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 1.5             millimeters. Surface. — Generally smooth.         -   Petioles colour.—Upper petiole surface. — Depending on             climatic conditions and sunlight exposure, the anthocyanic             coloration on petiole's upper surface can be very present             and varies from red (RHS Red Group 53 B) to purple red (RHS             Red Purple Group 59 B). Lower surface. — Light green, almost             yellow (RHS Yellow Green 145 B-C).         -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Considered medium. Length. —             Approximately 0.9 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 0.9             millimeters. Number. — Generally between 2 and 3 glands per             leaf. Type. — Round. Position. — Alternate between upper             portion of petiole and lower portion of leaf blade. Color. —             Generally greyed orange (RHS Greyed Orange Group 165 A).         -   Leaf stipules.—Generally. — No leaf stipules were observed. -   Flowers:     -   -   Flower buds.—Generally. — At pre-floral stage of             development, the floral buds are conic in form with a very             rounded tip (ball shaped). Their form is evolving until             blooming, with variables dimensions. Just before blooming,             floral buds are approximately 12.0 millimeters wide and             approximately 20.0 millimeters long. Color. — This             characteristic is dependent upon the proximity to bloom. At             pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of the flowers             buds, formed by the sepals, is of purple-brown color (RHS             Greyed Purple 183 B to C); the corolla, formed by the             petals, is generally of white color (RHS White Group N 155 B             to C) with a slightly pink pigmentation (RHS Red Purple 69 C             to D).         -   Texture.—Smooth.         -   Hardiness.—The buds are considered hardy under typical             central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.             No winter injury was noted during the last several years of             evaluation in the central Pyrénées-Orientales departement,             with winter temperatures as low as −10 degrees Celsius in             January. The current variety has not been intentionally             subjected to drought or heat stress, but the variety showed             a very good resistance in orchard to temperatures up to 42             degrees Celsius with an average temperature between 28 and             30 degrees Celsius during 3 weeks in summer.         -   Pedicel.—Length. — About 3.0 millimeters. Width. — About 1.5             millimeters.         -   Flower shoots of leaf buds.—Form. — Ovoid Length. — About             2.0 millimeters. Width. — About 1.5 millimeters. Color. —             Orange grey (RHS Greyed Orange 175 A).         -   Flower shoots of flower buds.—Form. — Ovoid. Length. — About             2.0 millimeters. Width. — About 1.5 millimeters. Color. —             Orange grey (RHS Greyed Orange 175 A).         -   Date of bloom.—Generally in March.         -   First bloom.—The first bloom was observed on Mar. 6, 2003.         -   Full bloom.—Mar. 10, 2003.         -   Petal fall.—Mar. 15, 2003.         -   Blooming time.—Considered semi-early season in relative             comparison to other commercial apricot cultivars grown in             the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France.         -   Duration of bloom.—Between 8 and 12 days.         -   Flower size.—Flower diameter at full bloom is approximately             23.0 to 28.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant, flowers are generally             found in bunches.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 1 flower bud or several             flower buds per groups of 2 to 3.         -   Petal size.—Length. — Generally about 12.0 millimeters.             Width. — Generally about 12.0 millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Round-shaped, narrower at point of attachment.         -   Petal count.—Generally 5, overlapping sepals.         -   Petal texture.—Smooth.         -   Petal color.—A very light pink (RHS Red Purple 69 B to C) at             popping stage and then white (RHS White Group N 155 B to C).         -   Fragrance.—Moderate.         -   Petal margins texture.—Smooth.         -   Petal base.—Narrow at point of attachment.         -   Petal apex.—Round.         -   Petal peduncle.—Length. — Approximately 3.0 millimeters.             Diameter. — Approximately 1.5 millimeters. Color. —             Generally yellow green (RHS Yellow Green 145 C) with areas             colored almost in red (RHS Red 46 D).         -   Sepals.—Size. — Generally considered small. Sepal count.             — 5. Form. — Triangular, with a slightly pointed apex.             Color. — Considered purple brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 B to             C). Texture. — Smooth.         -   Stamens.—Average number of stamen per flower. —             Approximately 35 stamens per flower. Length. — Medium.         -   Filaments.—Size. — Approximately between 10.0 and 15.0             millimeters in length. Color. — White (RHS White Group N 155             B).         -   Anthers.—Color. — Orange Yellow (RHS Yellow Orange 16 D).         -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually 1. Length. — Approximately 20.0 to             21.0 millimeters including the ovary. Generally at the same             level as anthers. Color. — Considered a very pale green (RHS             Yellow Green Group 150 D or RHS Yellow Green Group 151 D).             Pubescence. — Present.         -   Pollen.—Pollen production. — Pollen is abundant, and non             auto-fertile. Color. — Orange yellow color (RHS Yellow             Orange 17 B to C).         -   Filaments size.—Approximately between 10.0 and 15.0             millimeters.         -   Calyx.—Internal surface texture. — Smooth. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity.—Considered medium-season, generally the first week             of July.         -   Date of first picking.—Jul. 3, 2003.         -   Date of last picking.—Jun. 25, 2011. The date of harvest             varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. The             ‘ASFCOT0201 variety has medium date of picking and a grouped             maturity. The maturity is grouped within 7 to 9 days and the             harvest is generally performed in two runs.         -   Size.—Generally. — Considered large. Length. — Approximately             50.0 to 55.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 47.0 to             50.0 millimeters. Thickness. — Approximately 48.0 to 52.0             millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Generally between 60.0 and 70.0 grams. This             characteristic is high dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of the variety.         -   Fruit form.—Generally. — Round and very slightly elevated.             The fruit is considered to be symmetrical.         -   Suture.—Generally. — Slightly marked, extending from the             base to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching exists             along the suture line. Color. — The suture has generally a             color similar to the whole fruit color. The suture is             colored with red orange (RHS Red Group 45 A to B or RHS Red             Group 45 B to C).         -   Ventral surface.—Form. — Round.         -   Apex.—Flat.         -   Base.—Straight to slightly wide-mouthed.         -   Stem cavity.—Shallow. Average depth of the stem cavity is             about 4.5 millimeters. Average width is about 7.0             millimeters.         -   Stem.—Size. — Generally small. Stem length is about 5.0 to             6.0 millimeters. Stem diameter is about 2.0 millimeters.             Color. — Stem color is generally green (RHS Green Group 143             C to D).         -   Fruit skin.—hickness. — Considered medium. Texture. — Smooth             and strong. Pubescence. — Present but very light, almost             non-existent Tendency to crack. — None observed.         -   Color.—Blush color. — This blush color is an orange red (RHS             Red Group 45 A to B or RHS Red Group 45 B to C). The orange             red blush covers 40 to 60% of the fruit skin surface. The             darker blush color within the described range appears on             fruits exposed to sunlight. The percentage of the blush on             the fruit skin surface can vary, and is generally dependant             upon the prevailing conditions under which the fruit was             grown. Ground color. — The ground color covers 40 to 60% of             the fruit skin surface, and is considered orange yellow (RHS             Yellow Orange Group 17 A). Adherence to flesh. — Very             adherent. Taste. — Very slightly acid, with a high level of             sugars.         -   Flesh.—Ripens. — Homogenously. Texture. — Fine and firm.             Very melting and juicy at end of maturity. Fibers. —             Generally none observed. Aroma. — Pronounced. Firmness. —             Firm and melting. Holds firmness over the time. Eating             quality. — Considered very good and aromatic, with a high             level of sugars. Flavor. — Considered very good. Good             balance between sugar and acidity. Very aromatic. Juice. —             Very juicy. The juiciness increases with maturity. Brix. —             Generally superior to 15.0 degrees. This characteristic             varies slightly with the number of fruit per tree,             prevailing cultural practices and the surrounding climatic             conditions. Flesh color. — Considered medium orange (RHS             Orange Group 16 A to B or RHS Yellow Orange Group 22B). -   Stone:     -   -   Stone cavity.—Color. — Orange (RHS Orange Group 22 B)             Length. — Approximately between 27.0 and 30.0 millimeters.         -   Stone type.—Free, but the stone seems to be slightly             attached to the flesh through its base and its edges.         -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety. The stone size             varies depending upon the tree vigor, crop load and             prevailing growing conditions. Length. — Approximately 25.0             to 27.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 20.0 to 22.0             millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 11.0 to 12.0             millimeters.         -   Stone form (viewed from stem end).—Ovate, flattened.         -   Stone base shape.—Round to slightly concave.         -   Stone apex shape.—Round, generally no point is observed.         -   Stone surface.—Surface texture. — Medium to smooth. Ridges             at stone surface. — The ridges are present on both sides of             the stone. A ridge is generally narrow. The ridges begin at             the base and are extending all along the stone.         -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is generally             considered a greyed orange (RHS Greyed Orange 164 A to B or             RHS Greyed Orange 165 B to C).         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is absent.         -   Kernel.—Taste. — Bitter Length. — Approximately 12.0             millimeters. Width. — Approximately 13.0 millimeters.             Thickness. — Approximately 7.0 millimeters. Form. — Ovate.             Color. — The kernel skin is a greyed orange (RHS Greyed             Orange 165 B to C). The almond, which is the seed of the             kernel, is considered white (RHS White 155 D).         -   Use.—The subject variety ‘ASFCOT0201 is considered to be a             apricot tree with a medium season maturity, and which             produces fruits that are considered firm, attractively and             luminously colored. Fruits have a balanced taste between             acidity and sugar. They are excellent for uncooked or cooked             consumption, melting and juicy when at full maturity. Fruits             have excellent gustative qualities and are very aromatic.             They are also useful for both local markets and very long             distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Good. Fruits are well preserved during at             least 3 weeks after harvest in a cold atmosphere. Fruits are             considered to have a long shelf life after harvesting             without alteration.         -   Shipping quality.—Considered good. The fruit of the new             apricot variety showed very little skin scarring or flesh             bruises in picking, packing and shipping trials.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. Under meticulous observations             during planting, growing and harvesting of fruits, no             particular resistance or sensitivity to plant or fruits             diseases were noticed. Any variety, observed during indexing             of plant characteristics, with abnormal fungus, bacterial             virus or insect sensitivity is destroyed and eliminated from             our breeding program.

Although the new variety of apricot tree possesses the described characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France, it should be understood that variations of the usual magnitude and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning, pest control and horticultural management are to be expected. 

1. A new and distinct variety of apricot tree as illustrated and described, characterized by fruits of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, and with a medium orange flesh of high eating quality, aromatic and with a high level of sugar, and with an attractive luminous orange red skin on a luminous orange background. 